20 Best Places to Visit in Sandakan, Sabah

Sandakan is a town in eastern Sabah, known for wildlife and heritage. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. These 20 places to visit in Sandakan cover the best attractions.

Wildlife

1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok is a rehabilitation centre for orangutans, near Sandakan. It is one of the most popular wildlife attractions in Sabah. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

2. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is near Sepilok, dedicated to sun bear conservation. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Labuk Bay is a sanctuary for proboscis monkeys, near Sandakan. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

4. Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is a river near Sandakan, popular for wildlife spotting including proboscis monkeys. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

5. Rainforest Discovery Centre

The Rainforest Discovery Centre is near Sepilok, with nature trails and a canopy walkway. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

Nature

6. Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife reserve near Sandakan, known for its wildlife. Check current access with official operators. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

7. Gomantong Caves

Gomantong Caves are caves near Sandakan, known for their bird nests and bats. Check current access with official sources. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

8. Turtle Islands Park

Turtle Islands Park is a marine park near Sandakan, known for turtle nesting. Check current access with official sources. Do not disturb nesting turtles. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Heritage

9. Sandakan Heritage Museum

The Sandakan Heritage Museum covers the history and heritage of Sandakan. Check current operating status with official sources.

10. Sandakan Memorial Park

The Sandakan Memorial Park is a memorial, commemorating prisoners of war. Check current operating status with official sources.

11. Agnes Keith House

Agnes Keith House is a heritage house, once the home of author Agnes Keith. Check current operating status with official sources.

12. English Tea House

The English Tea House is a restaurant near Agnes Keith House, with views over the sea. Check current operating status with official sources.

Markets

13. Sandakan Market

Sandakan has a market, with local products and food. See our best food in Sabah guide.

14. Central Market

The Central Market is a market in Sandakan, popular for food and local products. Check current operating status with local sources.

Food

15. Sandakan Food

Sandakan has local food, including seafood. See our best food in Sabah guide.

16. Seafood

Sandakan has seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood. See our best food in Sabah guide.

17. Sim Sim Water Village

Sim Sim Water Village is a water village, with food stalls and restaurants. Check current operating status with local sources. See our best food in Sabah guide.

Islands

18. Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island is an island near Sandakan, popular for diving. Check current availability with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

19. Turtle Islands

Turtle Islands are islands near Sandakan, known for turtle nesting. Check current access with official sources. Do not disturb nesting turtles. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Nearby

20. Kinabatangan

Kinabatangan is a district near Sandakan, with the Kinabatangan River. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Sandakan is accessible by air, with flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. It is also accessible by road from Kota Kinabalu (about 6-8 hours). Check current transport options with official sources. See our Sabah road trip guide.
• Getting around: A car is useful for exploring Sandakan and nearby attractions. See our Sabah car rental guide.
• Weather: Sandakan is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip.
• Wildlife: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Encounters depend on natural conditions. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs.

FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Sandakan?

The best places include Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River, the Rainforest Discovery Centre and the Sandakan Memorial Park. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

How do I get to Sandakan?

Sandakan is accessible by air, with flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. It is also accessible by road from Kota Kinabalu (about 6-8 hours). Check current transport options with official sources. See our Sabah road trip guide.

What is Sandakan famous for?

Sandakan is famous for its wildlife, including orangutans at Sepilok and proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

Sandakan is a great destination for wildlife and nature. For more ideas, see our best wildlife experiences in Sabah, best nature attractions in Sabah and places to visit in Sabah guides. For exploring beyond Sandakan, see our Sabah road trip guide.